About this Resource
Caffeine is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, with coffee being the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. A common behavioural recommendation to improve sleep is to avoid caffeine close to bedtime to avoid the impact of caffeine on the sleep-wake cycle. Here we explore the physiological effects of caffeine on our body’s sleep-wake regulation through its effects on adenosine receptors.
Grounded in the Research
“Caffeine is an adenosine antagonist suggested to acutely reduce sleep pressure through action on the homeostatic component of sleep-wake regulation. This action stimulates the central nervous system with a resulting decrease in the perception of fatigue and sleepiness. For this reason, caffeine is commonly consumed throughout the day in response to insufficient sleep to promote a state of wakefulness.”
Excerpt from: Gardiner, C., Weakley, J., Burke, L. M., Roach, G. D., Sargent, C., Maniar, N., … & Halson, S. L. (2023). The effect of caffeine on subsequent sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep medicine reviews, 69, 101764.
References
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